If you've noticed small bumps and ridges on your wall in a straight line, it usually means the seam between two pieces of drywall wasn't properly taped when it was installed. The seams are connected by laying paper or mesh tape over the line, then covering it with joint compound (plaster). If the tape isn't applied and covered smoothly, air can get under it and cause bubbling before it dries. The only way to fix this after it's dry is to pull off the tape and re-tape the seam.
Instructions
1. Scrape the bubbled drywall seam with your metal putty knife, pushing the knife forward along the length of the seam, knocking off plaster that's over it and tearing at the tape underneath. Use your utility knife to expose the tape if necessary, scraping the side of the blade over the seam. Scrape, cut and pull with your fingers until the tape is off and the seam between the two pieces of drywall is exposed.
2. Lay mesh drywall tape all along the seam, from end to end. Press it tightly over the seam. Cut it to fit with your utility knife.
3. Spread joint compound over the tape using a drywall knife. Make the joint compound slightly wider than the tape. Spread it smooth and flat, making sure the tape isn't bubbled or wrinkled.
4. Let the joint compound dry for four to six hours. Sand it lightly with your pad sander, just enough take off any ridges or bumps.
5. Apply a second layer of joint compound, making a little wider than the first layer. Let it dry.
6. Sand the second layer and apply a third layer, making it still wider than the one before it. The third layer should be very flat and smooth.
7. Let the third layer dry. Sand it smooth. The wall is now ready for re-painting.
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